Dimerco Taiwan's Eco-Champion Event: Get Hands Dirty for Biodiversity

19 June 2023

Dimerco Taiwan, a leading global freight forwarder, has announced a major environmental initiative aimed to strengthen the green supply chain and reduce carbon emissions. The company has set a significant environmental challenge to remove 100+ kgs of the invasive plant species Mikania micrantha, commonly known as "Mile a minute," from the Wugu Wetland Ecological Park, a nationally important area known for its high biodiversity sensitivity.

As part of its ongoing commitment to carbon reduction, Dimerco Taiwan gathered a dedicated team of over 60 volunteers, including employees, customers, suppliers, and partners from the value chain. This team worked alongside specialists from The Society of Wilderness (SOW) on June 17th to restore biodiversity in the Wugu Wetland.

Leading this environmental project is Mr. George Chiou, President - Air Freight, Executive Management Board (EMB), who has been at the forefront of Dimerco's ESG Endorsed Initiatives. Mr. Chiou himself has taken up the challenge to encourage others to join him in the sweltering summer heat as they don rain boots and gloves to tackle the rapid growth of the invasive "Mile a minute" plant. Dimerco Taiwan is proud to actively support sustainable development initiatives and drive positive change.

On June 17th, six teams took part in a friendly competition to maximize the removal of the "Mile a minute" plant. The champion team was recognized for their efforts in eliminating 59 kilograms out of 125 kilograms of the weed. Dimerco's Central Service Center (CSC) expressed great pride in being part of restoring the Wugu Wetland Ecological Park, emphasizing the significance of preserving native habitats that foster abundant wildlife. They also highlighted the critical role wetlands play in flood control, water purification, biodiversity conservation, and the absorption of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide.”

Under the theme "Get Hands Dirty for Biodiversity," this invasive plant species removal aimed to engage all stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and value chain partners, in environmental conservation. Dimerco Taiwan believes that collective action is key to protect the environment and is dedicated to spearhead sustainability in Taiwan's supply chain.

Photo Caption: Mr. George Chiou, President - Air Freight, Executive Management Board (EMB), responsible for Dimerco’s ESG Endorsed Initiatives, receives Dimerco’s volunteering appreciation from The Society of Wilderness (SOW) on June 17, 2023.

Photo Caption: Dimerco Taiwan team of 60 volunteers removed 125 kgs of Mikania Micrantha at Wugu Wetland on June 17, 2023 to help restore biodiversity.

[Editors Notes]

Mile-a-minute weed
Listed by the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Mikania micrantha is one of the top 100 harmful species in the world.
It grows so quickly with its shoots reaching 17-24cm a day killing other plants by blocking the light or suffocating them as well as releasing chemicals that hinder other plants’ growth and obstruct the nitrification process.
The plant is noted for its rapid reproduction as it can flower and produce seeds over a long period of time (June through October).
The seeds can float for seven to nine days and are carried long distances by birds, which are likely reasons why it is so widespread.

The Society of Wilderness (SOW)
SOW is a well-known organization dedicated to the protection of the natural ecological environment in Taiwan.
In addition to 12 branches and 13 committees in Taiwan, SOW has partners in Nicaragua, Australia, and Malaysia. To date, SOW has more than 14,000 members mostly comprising families.

For more information, please visit: https://www.dimerco.com/